Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting

Peripheral angioplasty and stenting open a narrowed or blocked artery in your extremities, such as your arms or legs. This treatment can prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as bypass surgery.

The vascular specialists at UPMC use the latest minimally invasive techniques to treat blockages in the arteries of your lower abdomen, kidneys, arms, legs, or feet.

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What Is Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Peripheral stenting is used to open up clogged arteries in your lower abdomen, kidneys, arms, legs, or feet without performing open surgery.

The procedure uses a balloon-tipped catheter and requires only a small incision in your groin or arm. A tiny, expandable metal coil called a stent is inserted into the newly opened area of your peripheral artery to help prevent it from narrowing or closing again.

In addition to these treatment methods, your surgeon may use a device that removes the plaque in a process called atherectomy.

Conditions we treat with peripheral angioplasty and stenting

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Why Would I Need Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Your doctor may suggest angioplasty and stenting if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can cause:

• Chronic pain in your legs.
• Heavy feeling in your legs.
• Limitations to your daily activities.
• Wounds on your legs or feet that do not heal.               

Who’s a candidate for peripheral angioplasty and stenting?

You may be a candidate for peripheral angioplasty and stenting if you are having symptoms of PAD that affect your quality of life or are causing non-healing wounds on your legs or feet.

Benefits of peripheral angioplasty and stenting

Peripheral angioplasty and stenting can prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as bypass surgery.

What kind of doctor puts stents in legs?

A vascular surgeon is a doctor who specializes in treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) and performs peripheral artery angioplasty and stenting.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Peripheral angioplasty and stenting is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, like all medical procedures, peripheral angioplasty and stenting comes with risks, including:

• Allergic reactions.
• Bleeding.
• Blood clots.
• Infection at the incision site.
• Problems with your artery, such as re-narrowing or rupture.

What Should I Expect From Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Before your procedure, your vascular surgeon will conduct a thorough exam and use imaging tests to find the blockages and determine how severe they are. Imaging tests may include:

• Ultrasound — A test that produces images using sound waves and determines the extent of the narrowed blood vessels and blood flow.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan — Creates images of your blood vessels.

Before: How to prepare for peripheral angioplasty and stenting

Your doctor will explain the peripheral angioplasty and stenting procedure and give you a chance to ask questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart valve disease. You may need to receive an antibiotic before the procedure. 
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medications prior to the procedure.
• Fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
• Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test prior to the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

Most patients are discharged on the same day as their procedure. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.

How long does peripheral angioplasty and stenting take?

Peripheral angioplasty and stenting typically takes about an hour.

During your peripheral angioplasty and stenting procedure

You will be positioned on a table, lying on your back, and under local anesthesia. A small incision will be made in your groin or arm to insert the catheter. 

During your procedure, your surgeon will:

1. Insert a tiny needle into the blood vessel in your groin or upper arm.
2. Thread a soft guidewire through the needle and advance it to the right location while watching it with live x-ray.
3. Inject a dye through the needle that helps find the arterial blockage(s).
4. Insert a small device that looks like a tiny balloon inside your artery.
5. Inflate the balloon and compress the plaque outward on the walls of the artery to open it, allowing for better blood flow.
6. Insert a stent, a metal mesh tube that serves as a permanent metal scaffold to keep the artery open.

Depending on your condition and overall health, you may be able to go home the same day. Most people spend one day or less in the hospital.

Is peripheral angioplasty painful?

You will receive local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during your procedure. After your procedure, you may feel mild soreness or discomfort for a day or two.

Recovery after peripheral angioplasty and stenting

When the procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and to address any issues you may have with pain. You should plan to have a friend or family member drive you home.

How long does it take to recover from peripheral angioplasty?

You will need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few days. You should ask your doctor when you can return to work and resume normal activities. It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended. 

When to call your doctor about peripheral angioplasty and stenting complications

You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:

• A fever of more than 100.0°F or chills.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Fainting, dizziness, or weakness.
• Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the insertion site.
• Severe pain, coldness, numbness, swelling, or discoloration in the limb where the catheter was inserted.

If any of these symptoms are severe, you should dial 911 immediately.

What’s the prognosis of peripheral angioplasty and stenting?

For most patients, peripheral angioplasty and stenting restores blood flow to your limbs and helps to reduce the risk of complications.

What is the life expectancy of someone with peripheral arterial disease?

If left untreated, peripheral artery disease could cause serious complications that may reduce your life expectancy. You may also be at increased risk of developing coronary artery disease or other heart problems due to other untreated health conditions. It is important to work closely with your doctor to manage PAD and any other chronic health conditions.

What’s the success rate of peripheral angioplasty and stenting?

Peripheral angioplasty and stenting has a success rate of 80 to 90 percent.

How long do peripheral artery stents last?

Peripheral artery stents are a long-term treatment for peripheral artery disease. However, some patients may need repeat treatment if symptoms return in the future.

Why Choose UPMC for Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting?

Our vascular specialists are among the most experienced in the region at diagnosing and treating blockages of the peripheral arteries using minimally invasive catheter-based techniques. We perform hundreds of peripheral stenting procedures each year in our state-of-the-art catheterization labs. 

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.